Caesalpinia major

(Medik.) Dandy & Exell

Fabaceae

This name is not universally accepted. Caesalpinia major is treated as a synonym of Caesalpinia globulorum Bakh.f. & P.Royen in some treatments.
In a recent revision of the genus (Edeline Gagnon et al; A new generic system for the pantropical Caesalpinia group (Leguminosae) PhytoKeys 71: 1-160; 2016), it has been proposed that this species be renamed Guilandina major (DC.) Small. It is almost certain that this change will come about, but we are awaiting an authorative revision of the genus Guilandina before moving this species[

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The gray seeds are used in the treatment of diarrhea. Three of the seeds are cracked and boiled with three young fruits of lada (Morinda citrifolia) and three plants of maigo lalo (Phyllanthus amarus). The resultant tea is very bitter and is taken internally[

Brief details, usually with a photo, of plants native to the island of Guam, often together with some information on their uses. An online version is available.

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Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have ripened and dried the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[